Marum backs successor

By PARKER TAMBUA
MICHAEL Marum says the national men’s rugby league team must maintain unity and passion despite the end of his eight-year reign as head coach of the Kumuls.
He told The National on Sunday that Papua New Guinea’s rugby league successes in recent years had seen the country improve its world ranking, climbing from 14th to fifth during his tenure.
“Unity, oneness, playing for and trusting each other, that is crucial,” the rugby league legend said.
“Most of our wins came down to having a great group of players.
“We had strong bond which made things easier.
“They played with pride and passion.
“Discipline is one big factor that drives a team to succeed.
“These are the principles on which the team have been built over the last eight years.”
The 2017 Queensland Intrust Super Cup (now Hostplus Cup) premiership-winning SP Hunters foundation coach said his predecessor should carry on from where he had left off.
“Another good thing about me resigning is that it presents an opportunity for another coach to take charge of the team,” Marum said.
“I don’t own the role.
“It belongs to the people of PNG, so I would love to see other national coaches vie for the role.
“I am confident that my successor will continue to instil discipline, maintain the passion and spirit of the Kumuls culture.
“We already have the processes in place, so I don’t think they will struggle.
“Just trust the process, retain the systems and maintain the reputation of the Kumuls.”
When asked whether he would resume coaching later, Marum said he was unsure about what the future had in store for him.